Advancing Science and Practice in the Retail Environment (ASPiRE) Center Releases Report on Tobacco Retailer Density in 30 Major U.S. Cities
The ASPiRE Center mapped tobacco retailers in the 30 cities represented on the ASPiRE Community Advisory Board and found that an average of 63% of public schools are located within 1,000 feet – about two city blocks – of a tobacco retailer. This study adds to previous research showing that the tobacco industry has targeted low income and minority neighborhoods. In particular, the industry has long targeted Black Americans with marketing for menthol cigarettes, with a wealth of research showing that Black communities have more tobacco retailers and tobacco marketing. Black Americans die at higher rates than other groups from tobacco-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease and stroke. The
found there are nearly 2 times more tobacco retailers per square mile in the lowest-income neighborhoods than in the highest-income neighborhoods, as defined by data from the U.S. Census. According to the researchers, “Living in neighborhoods with a higher concentration of tobacco retailers makes youth more likely to start using tobacco and makes quitting more difficult. In addition, higher concentrations of tobacco retailers in disadvantaged neighborhoods contribute to health disparities.”
See the Colorado Public Radio story here >>
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